Distance Learning

No matter where you live or how your school year is unfolding, engaging and powerful programs are just a click away. Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium educators introduce students to amazing Bug Ambassadors and give them remarkable experiences, without ever leaving the classroom.

Program Descriptions

Program descriptions include the grade level or range each program is best suited to support. Most programs can be easily adapted for a variety of ages and grades. The first three programs described below, while still being able to be scaled for a range of ages, specifically address NGSS standards for kindergarten, first and second grades. We are happy to answer any questions you might have and help you pick the program that best fits your needs and interests.

What would a bug look like if it were perfectly adapted to camouflage with your backyard? In this fun and creative program, students will practice their observation skills on bugs from around the world that are experts in the art of camouflage, discussing how these traits help them to survive. The adventure wraps up with a chance to design a brand new species of insect, using leaves and other natural elements from around your yard. 

Standards: “Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals, including humans, need to survive” (NGSS: K-LS1-1)

What kind of inventions can we come up with if we use the bugs around us for inspiration? We’ll investigate a wide range of Bug Ambassadors, sharing our observations and ideas for new inventions based on those observations.

Standards: “Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking plant and animal structures and functions that help them survive, grow and meet their needs” (NGSS: 1-LS1-1)

We cover everything from spider anatomy and feeding habits to how they grow and defend themselves. We’ll meet a wide range of spiders and dispel old and inaccurate spider myths.

This fun program turns students into scientists! Together we’ll explore pollination from the perspective of the many insects that excel at the art of moving pollen. We’ll virtually investigate real pollinator specimens and study a live Bug Ambassador. A post-program take home activity extends the learning experience by helping students understand just how important pollinators are for our ecosystems, and dinner plates!

Standards: “Develop a simple model that mimics the structure and function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.” (NGSS: 2-LS2-2)

Who runs the world? BUGS! During this fun program, students will get the chance to learn about three major roles arthropods have in our ecosystem. We’ll talk about the importance of pollination, the balancing act of predation, and the dirty and messy world of decomposition.

Did you know that there are more beetle species in the world than there are mammal, bird, fish, and reptile species combined? We’ll learn all about how this beetle diversity developed, what makes a beetle a beetle, and the adaptations that help them survive and thrive in ecosystems around the world.

While at first glance millipedes and centipedes might seem like essentially the same animal, we can assure you they are actually quite different! During this program students will become pros at recognizing the difference between these two amazing animals. You’ll even get to meet our giant African millipedes, and we’ll end the program by feeding our largest centipede.

What does it take to be a “Bug Wrangler” – an animal lab manager or entomologist? This program takes your students into the world of professional entomologists. We’ll look at specimens under the microscope, practice our scientific illustration skills, and learn about how professional entomologists take care of their study animals – and even feed one of our predators. This program provides a great opportunity to explore the world of arthropods and the researchers that care for and study them.

Looking for a program for middle school students? Our Powerful Pollinators, Super Spiders, and Beetlemania programs are easily adaptable for these older grade levels.

Sign Up to Learn More

Reach out to Carolyn Taber at 406-317-1211, carolyn@missoulabutterflyhouse.org, or via the form below to schedule and learn more.